Rain holds off for Worcester's Columbus Day parade

The rain held off yesterday just long enough for people to enjoy the Columbus Day parade without getting too wet.

People started arriving at Cristoforo Colombo Park and other choice viewing locations about an hour before the 12:30 p.m. kickoff.

“We have been busier than usual today,” said Jill O'Connor, a waitress at the Vintage Grille, at Adams and Shrewsbury Street, just after 2 p.m. “They wanted to see the parade and come for the party.”

The parade route extended about 1.5 miles, from near the Shrewsbury Street-Belmont Street intersection to Washington Square. “It's the extra rosary I said,” joked mistress of ceremonies Carolyn Serra-Grenier, who gave a detailed description of parade participants from a flatbed truck in front of Mac's Diner, across Shrewsbury Street from the park.

Mrs. Serra-Grenier said she has been mistress of ceremonies for the annual event for the past 16 years. She said the three-division parade, which featured marching bands from about a half-dozen area high schools, at least a dozen civic organizations and various youth groups, as well as a contingent of officials seeking public office in this election year, has become bigger during that time.

“I love it,” she said. “I'm Italian, and I'm very proud I'm Italian. I want my children and grandchildren to know their Italian heritage.”

Among the groups singing at the parade on floats was The Derelicts Mid-Life Crisis, which bills itself as Worcester's Oldest Oldie's Band. One of its selections yesterday was James “Sugar Boy” Crawford's “Iko Iko,” made famous in 1965 by the Dixie Cups.

The Worcester Men of Song drew applause in front Cristoforo Colombo Park with a rendition of “God Bless America.”

Andy Johnson was one of several vendors who arrived about 11 a.m. to sell parade souvenirs.

Mr. Johnson said he has been selling souvenirs at the Columbus Day parade for about 20 years, and inflatable items are usually the big sellers.

“I sell most of the stuff during the parade,” he said.

Many parade-goers stopped by Shrewsbury Street Bread & Pizza, where free slices of pizza were being offered.

Co-owner John Grosse, 57, who said he was brought up on Shrewsbury Street, said he liked seeing people walking along the street and watching the parade.

“I like seeing the families. It's all about the families,” said Mr. Grosse. He said he would like to see the event get larger and offer, perhaps, an Italian feast.

Matt Carota took in the parade with several friends.

While people flocked to Gillette Stadium to tailgate before the Patriots game, Mr. Carota tailgated with his friends, where among the food being offered were pizza biscuits made by Sara O'Reilly.

Mr. Carota said he has been to the last five or six Columbus Day parades, and he remembered when traffic lines on Shrewsbury Street were painted in the colors of the Italian flag.

“I'm Italian. They have parades for the Irish, so they should do it for the Italians,” he said.

Worcester resident David Gould, another member of the tailgating contingent, said they will all be at the same spot for next year's parade.

“It's tradition,” said Mr. Carota.

John Distefano watched the parade in front of the Flying Rhino Café and Watering Hole with friends Cindy Cutler, Deb Cannalonga and Peter Raymond.

“I've been coming here for years,” said Mr. DiStefano, who agreed with his friends that it seems the parade doesn't draw as many people as it did in the past.

“I like it because it brings the community together,” Mr. Raymond said.

“It's fantastic,” said Ms. Cannalonga as she waited to see her two daughters go by on a float carrying dancers from the Xtreme Dance Academy in Millbury.

Winners of the Columbus Day parade awards:

Marching Bands

First place: Douglas High School

Tied for second place: Immaculate Heart of Mary, Southbridge High School

Tied for third place: Millbury High School, South High School

Color Guards/Drill Teams

First place: Burncoat High School JROTC

Tied for second place: North High School JROTC, South High Community School JROTC

Third place: Worcester Cadet Civil Air Patrol

Outstanding Dance Teams

First place: Friendly House

Tied for second place: Canty Dance Centre, New England Dance Academy

Tied for third place: Liandiana School of Dance, Xtreme Dance Academy

Other Awards

International Community Award: Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 4311

Grand Marshal Award: Girl Scouts of America

Christopher Columbus Award: Cub Scouts Troop 70 Our Lady of Lourdes

Queen Isabella Award: Boy Scouts Troop 9 Greendale People's Church

Heritage Award: St. Patrick's Parade Committee

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